抱く
抱く 30秒了解
- 抱く (daku) primarily means to embrace or hold someone/something in your arms, commonly used for babies, pets, or loved ones in intimate settings.
- The same Kanji can be read as 'idaku' to mean harboring abstract feelings like dreams, hopes, or doubts in one's heart or mind.
- It is a transitive verb requiring the particle 'o' and is distinct from 'motsu' (general holding) and 'kakaeru' (carrying a heavy load).
- In social contexts, 'dakko' is the casual/child-friendly version, while 'dakishimeru' is used for a tighter, more emotional hug or squeeze.
The Japanese verb 抱く is a foundational term that primarily translates to 'to embrace,' 'to hug,' or 'to hold in one's arms.' At its core, it describes the physical act of bringing something or someone close to one's chest using the arms. This action is deeply rooted in human connection, care, and protection. In a physical sense, it is most commonly used when talking about holding a baby, a pet, or a loved one. However, the word carries a significant amount of weight depending on its reading—either daku or idaku. For A2 learners, the focus is almost exclusively on daku, the physical manifestation of the action.
- Physical Embrace
- The most direct usage involves wrapping arms around a person or animal to show affection or provide comfort.
- Holding Objects
- While 'kakaeru' is often used for heavy loads, 'daku' can be used for large objects held against the chest, like a large pillow or a bundle of flowers.
- Abstract Feelings
- When read as 'idaku', it shifts to the internal world, meaning to harbor a feeling, a dream, or a suspicion.
お母さんは優しく赤ちゃんを抱いた。
— The mother gently held the baby.
In Japanese culture, the act of 抱く is often seen as more intimate than the English 'hug.' While Westerners might hug friends as a greeting, in Japan, 抱く is usually reserved for family, romantic partners, or very close situations. It implies a level of protective warmth. For example, when a child is crying, a parent will 抱く them to soothe them. The physical contact is meant to transfer calm and safety. It is important to distinguish this from dakishimeru, which implies a tighter, more emotional squeeze.
彼は大きな夢を抱いて東京に来た。
— He came to Tokyo harboring a big dream.
The verb is transitive, meaning it requires a direct object marked by the particle を (o). You are always 'holding something.' Whether it is a physical baby or an abstract ambition, the structure remains consistent. This consistency makes it a versatile tool for learners to express both physical actions and internal states as they progress toward higher levels of fluency.
- Transitive Nature
- Always use [Object] を 抱く. You cannot just 'embrace' without an object in Japanese grammar.
- Kanji Composition
- The radical on the left is 扌 (hand), indicating an action performed with the hands or arms.
ぬいぐるみをお母さんのように抱く。
— To hold a stuffed animal like a mother would.
Using 抱く (daku) correctly requires an understanding of Japanese verb conjugation and the specific contexts where physical holding is appropriate. As a Group 1 (U-verb), its endings change predictably. For A2 learners, mastering the polite form (dakimasu) and the te-form (daite) is crucial for everyday communication. The te-form is particularly common because we often describe someone 'holding' something right now using the ~te iru continuous form.
- Present Polite
- 抱きます (dakimasu) - I hold / will hold.
- Te-form (Continuous)
- 抱いています (daite imasu) - I am holding.
- Past Tense
- 抱きました (dakimashita) - I held.
その子は子犬を抱いています。
— That child is holding a puppy.
When you want to emphasize the tightness or the emotional intensity of the hug, you should switch to the compound verb 抱きしめる (dakishimeru). While daku is a general term for holding, dakishimeru is specifically 'to hug tight.' Think of daku as the functional act of holding a baby so they don't fall, whereas dakishimeru is the emotional act of hugging a friend you haven't seen in years.
In social settings, you might hear the phrase 抱っこする (dakko suru). This is 'baby talk' or very casual language used with children. If you are asking a child if they want to be picked up and held, you would say 'Dakko?' or 'Dakko shiyo ka?'. Using the formal daku in this context might sound a bit too stiff or clinical. Conversely, using dakko with an adult would be very strange or humorous.
- Dakko (抱っこ)
- Child-friendly version of holding/picking up.
- Dakishimeru (抱きしめる)
- To hug tightly/squeeze with emotion.
- Idaku (抱く)
- The literary/abstract reading for feelings.
子供が「抱っこして」とせがむ。
— The child begged, 'Pick me up (hold me).'
Another important distinction is between daku and kakaeru. If you are carrying a heavy box in front of you, you are kakaeru-ing it. If you are holding a baby to your chest to comfort them, you are daku-ing them. Daku implies a level of care or a 'wrapping' motion, whereas kakaeru is more about the physical burden or the method of carrying something large with both arms.
You will encounter 抱く in a variety of settings, ranging from domestic life to literary masterpieces. In daily life, the most common place is within the family unit. Parents talking to or about their children frequently use this verb. At a pediatric clinic or a park, you'll hear mothers saying, 'Chotto daite kureru?' (Can you hold [the baby] for a second?). It is the standard way to describe the physical care of infants.
- At Home
- Used when handling babies, pets, or large cushions.
- In Literature
- Often used as 'idaku' to describe a protagonist's inner turmoil or grand ambitions.
- In News/Media
- Used when reporting on public sentiment, e.g., 'People harbor (idaku) fears about the economy.'
彼は故郷に対して複雑な思いを抱いている。
— He harbors complex feelings toward his hometown.
In the realm of Japanese pop culture, particularly in J-Dramas and Anime, daku and its variants like dakishimeru are staples of romantic scenes. The 'back hug' (bakku hagu) is a famous trope, but the dialogue will often use 'daku' to describe the act of holding someone. In songs (J-Pop), you will frequently hear lyrics about wanting to be held or holding onto a memory. In these artistic contexts, the line between the physical daku and the emotional idaku often blurs, creating a poetic double meaning.
In more formal or journalistic Japanese, the reading idaku is prevalent. When a reporter says, 'Kokumin wa seifu ni fushinkan o idaite iru' (The citizens harbor a sense of distrust toward the government), they are using the same Kanji but the more sophisticated reading. This is a key marker of 'advanced' Japanese—knowing when to switch the reading of 抱く based on whether the object is a physical person or an abstract concept like 'distrust' or 'hope.'
新しい生活に期待を抱いて、彼は旅立った。
— He set out on a journey, harboring expectations for his new life.
- Pet Shops/Shelters
- Staff might ask, 'Daite mimasu ka?' (Would you like to try holding [the animal]?).
- Sports Commentary
- Used when a player 'harbors' a desire for revenge or victory (idaku).
One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with 抱く is confusing it with other 'holding' or 'carrying' verbs like 持つ (motsu) or 抱える (kakaeru). While motsu is the general word for 'to hold' or 'to have' (like holding a pen or having a phone), daku is specifically for holding something against your chest or in your arms. You would never say 'pen o daku' unless you were being extremely weird and hugging your pen.
- Motsu vs. Daku
- Motsu = general holding/having. Daku = embracing/holding to chest.
- Kakaeru vs. Daku
- Kakaeru = carrying a load/burden. Daku = holding with care/affection.
❌ 鞄を抱く (Kaban o daku)
✅ 鞄を持つ / 抱える (Kaban o motsu / kakaeru)
— You carry a bag; you don't 'embrace' it unless it's very special.
Another pitfall is the reading. As mentioned, daku and idaku share the same Kanji. A common error is using daku for abstract feelings in formal writing. While people will understand you, using idaku for 'dreams' or 'ambitions' marks you as a more sophisticated speaker. Conversely, using idaku for a baby sounds overly poetic or like you're reading from an old 19th-century novel.
Grammatically, learners sometimes forget that daku is a transitive verb. You cannot say 'I am embracing' (Watashi wa daite imasu) without specifying who or what. In English, we can say 'They are hugging,' but in Japanese, it's more natural to say 'They are hugging each other' (Dakiatte iru) or 'He is holding the baby' (Akachan o daite iru).
- Intransitive Error
- Don't forget the 'o' particle and the object.
- Reading Confusion
- Don't say 'akachan o idaku' unless you are writing a poem.
二人は抱き合って喜んだ。
— The two hugged each other (embraced mutually) and rejoiced.
To truly master 抱く, you must understand its neighbors in the Japanese vocabulary. The most similar word is 抱きしめる (dakishimeru). While daku is the general act of holding, dakishimeru adds the element of 'tightness' (shimeru means to tighten). This is the word used for a strong hug of passion, relief, or deep love. If you see someone at the airport after a year, you dakishimeru them.
- 抱きしめる (Dakishimeru)
- To hug tightly; to squeeze affectionately.
- 抱える (Kakaeru)
- To carry in one's arms (usually something heavy or a responsibility).
- 持つ (Motsu)
- To hold (in hand) or to possess.
彼は彼女を強く抱きしめた。
— He hugged her tightly.
Another related term is ハグする (hagu suru). This is a loanword from English 'hug.' It is increasingly common among younger generations and is used for the more casual, Western-style hug between friends. While daku feels very Japanese and somewhat heavy or intimate, hagu suru is light and social. If you are greeting a friend from abroad, hagu suru is the appropriate term to use.
For abstract 'holding,' you might encounter 懐く (idaku/natsuku). Note that natsuku (to become attached to) uses the same Kanji in some contexts, though it's usually written in kana. However, the reading idaku for feelings is the direct synonym for 'harboring' or 'bearing' a sentiment. In formal writing, you might also see 保持する (hoji suru), which means 'to maintain' or 'to retain,' but this is strictly for data, records, or status, never for physical bodies.
- 抱え込む (Kakaekomu)
- To keep to oneself (like problems or secrets).
- 抱きしめる (Dakishimeru)
- To embrace (more emotional than daku).
大きな荷物を抱えて階段を上る。
— To climb the stairs carrying a large piece of luggage.
How Formal Is It?
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难度评级
需要掌握的语法
按水平分级的例句
赤ちゃんを抱く。
Hold the baby.
Simple [Object] o [Verb] structure.
犬を抱きます。
I will hold the dog.
Polite form of the verb.
猫を抱いてください。
Please hold the cat.
Te-form + kudasai for requests.
母は私を抱いた。
My mother held me.
Past tense 'daita'.
大きなパンダを抱く。
Hold a big panda (toy).
Adjective + Noun + o + Verb.
抱っこして!
Hold me! / Pick me up!
Casual 'dakko' form used by children.
人形を抱いています。
I am holding a doll.
Continuous state (~te imasu).
妹を抱きました。
I held my younger sister.
Family vocabulary + past tense.
彼女はテディベアを抱いて寝る。
She sleeps holding a teddy bear.
Te-form used to show a simultaneous action.
重い荷物を抱いています。
He is holding a heavy package.
Using 'daku' for large objects.
優しく赤ちゃんを抱いてください。
Please hold the baby gently.
Adverb 'yasashiku' modifying the verb.
彼はプレゼントを抱いて帰った。
He went home holding the present.
Te-form connecting two actions.
寒かったので、自分を抱いた。
It was cold, so I hugged myself.
Reflexive use (jibun o daku).
その子は猫を抱きたがっている。
That child wants to hold the cat.
~tagatte iru (wanting to do something - 3rd person).
枕を抱いてテレビを見る。
I watch TV while holding a pillow.
Te-form as a state.
お父さんに抱っこされた。
I was held by my father.
Passive form of 'dakko suru'.
彼は将来に強い希望を抱いている。
He harbors strong hope for the future.
Abstract use (idaku) with 'kibou'.
そのニュースを聞いて、疑念を抱いた。
Hearing that news, I felt (harbored) doubt.
Abstract use (idaku) with 'ginen'.
二人は駅で抱き合った。
The two hugged each other at the station.
Compound verb 'daki-au' (reciprocal).
彼女は都会への憧れを抱いている。
She harbors a longing for the city.
Abstract use (idaku) with 'akogare'.
不信感を抱かれないように注意する。
Be careful not to arouse (be held with) distrust.
Passive form 'dakareru' in an abstract sense.
彼は孤独感を抱きながら生きている。
He lives while harboring a sense of loneliness.
Nagura (while) + idaku.
新しい計画に期待を抱いています。
I have expectations for the new plan.
Abstract use (idaku) with 'kitai'.
母の面影を胸に抱いて旅に出る。
Leaving on a journey, holding his mother's memory in his heart.
Metaphorical use of 'mune ni daku'.
政府の対応に不満を抱く国民が多い。
Many citizens harbor dissatisfaction with the government's response.
Formal abstract use (idaku).
彼は野心を抱いて政界に入った。
He entered politics harboring ambition.
Abstract use (idaku) with 'yashin'.
彼女は彼に対して殺意を抱いたことはない。
She has never harbored murderous intent toward him.
Abstract use (idaku) with 'satsui'.
その古い建物は、歴史の重みを抱いている。
That old building holds the weight of history.
Personification/Metaphorical use.
彼は自分の才能に限界を抱き始めている。
He is starting to feel (harbor) limits to his own talent.
Abstract use (idaku) with 'genkai'.
子供たちは科学への興味を抱かされた。
The children were made to feel an interest in science.
Causative-passive 'dakaserareta'.
彼は復讐心を抱き続けていた。
He continued to harbor a desire for revenge.
Verb stem + tsuzukeru (continue to).
この土地は豊かな自然を抱いている。
This land embraces (holds) rich nature.
Literary use for landscapes.
大自然に対して畏敬の念を抱く。
To hold a sense of awe toward great nature.
High-level collocation 'ikei no nen'.
彼は若くして大志を抱き、渡米した。
He harbored great ambition from a young age and went to America.
Classic phrase 'taishi o idaku'.
その作家は社会に対する違和感を抱き続けている。
That author continues to harbor a sense of alienation from society.
Abstract use with 'iwakan'.
過去の栄光を胸に抱いて隠居する。
To retire, holding past glories in one's heart.
Idiomatic 'mune ni idaku'.
彼女は深い悲しみを抱きつつ、笑顔を見せた。
While harboring deep sadness, she showed a smile.
Tsutsu (while - formal).
新入社員は会社に対して過度な期待を抱きがちだ。
New employees tend to harbor excessive expectations toward the company.
~gachi (tend to).
彼は自らの出自に劣等感を抱いていた。
He harbored an inferiority complex regarding his origins.
Psychological term 'rettoukan'.
その詩は、失われた愛への哀惜を抱いている。
That poem holds a sense of sorrow for lost love.
Literary analysis context.
万物に対して慈愛の心を抱くべきである。
One should harbor a heart of benevolence toward all things.
Philosophical/Ethical 'beki' structure.
彼は権力に対して根深い不信感を抱いている。
He harbors a deep-seated distrust of power.
Compound adjective 'nebukai' (deep-seated).
その哲学者、生への執着を抱くことを否定した。
That philosopher rejected the harboring of attachment to life.
Nominalized verb phrase.
歴史の荒波に揉まれ、人々は明日への不安を抱かざるを得ない。
Tossed by the stormy waves of history, people cannot help but harbor anxiety for tomorrow.
~zaru o enai (cannot help but).
彼は己の無知に対して羞恥の念を抱いた。
He felt a sense of shame regarding his own ignorance.
Formal 'shuchi no nen'.
その静寂は、嵐の予感を抱いていた。
That silence held a premonition of the storm.
Metaphorical/Atmospheric use.
彼女は亡き夫への思慕の情を抱き続けている。
She continues to harbor feelings of longing for her late husband.
Formal 'shibo no jou'.
彼はこの難局を乗り越えるべく、不退転の決意を抱いた。
In order to overcome this crisis, he harbored an unshakeable determination.
Formal 'beku' + 'futaiten no ketsui'.
常见搭配
常用短语
抱っこして (Dakko shite) - Pick me up (childish)
胸に抱く (Mune ni daku) - To hold in one's heart
抱き合う (Daki-au) - To hug each other
抱き上げる (Daki-ageru) - To pick up in one's arms
抱き寄せる (Daki-yoseru) - To pull someone close for a hug
抱き枕 (Dakimakura) - Body pillow
抱きかかえる (Daki-kakaeru) - To carry in one's arms
抱きつく (Daki-tsuku) - To cling to/throw arms around
抱きしめたい (Dakishimetai) - I want to hug you
お姫様抱っこ (Ohimesama-dakko) - Princess carry
容易混淆的词
习语与表达
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容易混淆
句型
如何使用
Motsu is the most neutral and general 'to hold'.
Daku is for physical arms; Idaku is for the 'arms of the heart'.
Kakaeru often implies a burden or something large/unwieldy.
小贴士
Particle Choice
Always use the 'o' particle for the person or thing being held. For example: 'Inu o daku'. This shows the dog is the receiver of the action.
Context Matters
Be aware that 'daku' can be intimate. In a professional setting, if you need to say someone is 'holding' a responsibility, use 'kakaeru' or 'tantou suru' instead.
Pitch Accent
The pitch drops after 'da'. Practice saying 'DA-ku' with a high start to sound more like a native speaker.
Kanji Practice
The left side is 'hand'. The right side is 'wrap'. If you remember 'hand-wrap', you will never forget how to write 抱く.
Compound Verbs
Learn 'daki-au' (hug each other) early. It's a very common way to describe two people embracing at a meeting or parting.
The 'Princess Carry'
The term 'Ohimesama-dakko' is very popular in pop culture. It uses the 'dakko' form and is a great way to remember the word.
Abstract vs Physical
Always check if the object is something you can touch. If you can't touch it (like 'hope'), use the 'idaku' reading in your head.
Baby Talk
If you see a cute baby, saying 'Dakko shite mo ii?' is much more natural and friendly than using the dictionary form.
Song Lyrics
Listen to J-Pop. You will hear 'dakishimete' (hug me) constantly. It's the best way to hear the verb in an emotional context.
Daku vs Motsu
If you are holding a baby like a sack of potatoes, it's 'motsu'. If you are holding them with love, it's 'daku'. Use 'daku' for care.
记住它
词源
The Kanji 抱 consists of the 'hand' radical (扌) and the phonetic/meaning component 'hou' (包), which means 'to wrap' or 'envelop.' Together, it literally means 'to wrap with the hands/arms.'
文化背景
The term 'dakko' is essential for Japanese parenting and is one of the first words children learn.
High-level literature uses 'idaku' to show a character's internal depth.
Hugging in public is still relatively rare in Japan compared to the West.
在生活中练习
真实语境
对话开场白
"赤ちゃんを抱いてもいいですか? (May I hold the baby?)"
"将来、どんな夢を抱いていますか? (What kind of dreams do you harbor for the future?)"
"最近、何かに疑問を抱いたことはありますか? (Have you harbored doubts about anything lately?)"
"大きなぬいぐるみを抱いて寝ますか? (Do you sleep holding a large stuffed animal?)"
"子供の頃、よくお父さんに抱っこされましたか? (When you were a child, did your father often pick you up?)"
日记主题
Describe a time you held something very precious in your arms.
What are the biggest dreams you are currently harboring?
Write about the difference between a 'hug' in your culture and 'daku' in Japan.
Have you ever harbored a secret that was hard to keep?
Describe the feeling of holding a pet after a long day.
常见问题
10 个问题No, you should use 'motsu'. 'Daku' is for larger things you embrace with your arms, like a person or a large pillow. Using 'daku' for a phone would sound like you are hugging it romantically.
Mostly, yes. It is used by children or adults talking to children. It can also be used for small pets. Using it with an adult would be a joke or very intimate 'baby talk'.
'Daku' is the general act of holding in arms. 'Dakishimeru' means to hug tightly and usually carries more emotional weight, like a 'squeeze'.
Read it as 'idaku' when the object is abstract, like a dream (yume), hope (kibou), or doubt (ginen). If it's a physical object, read it as 'daku'.
Yes, 'hagu' or 'hagu suru' is common among younger people and for Western-style casual hugs. 'Daku' feels more traditional and often more intimate.
Only if you are carrying it in your arms against your chest. If you are carrying a suitcase by the handle, use 'motsu'. If you are carrying a box, 'kakaeru' is better.
Yes, it always takes the particle 'o' and an object. You are always embracing *something*.
It means to sit with your knees pulled up to your chest and your arms wrapped around them. It often suggests someone is lonely or thinking deeply.
Yes, in very formal or poetic Japanese, you might see 'idaku' used for physical things to give them a grander feel, but this is rare in modern speech.
Very common. It's an essential verb for describing physical affection and internal feelings.
自我测试 180 个问题
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Mastering 抱く requires distinguishing between its physical use (daku) for hugging and its abstract use (idaku) for feelings. While 'daku' is a common A2 verb for daily life, 'idaku' elevates your Japanese to a more literary and sophisticated level.
- 抱く (daku) primarily means to embrace or hold someone/something in your arms, commonly used for babies, pets, or loved ones in intimate settings.
- The same Kanji can be read as 'idaku' to mean harboring abstract feelings like dreams, hopes, or doubts in one's heart or mind.
- It is a transitive verb requiring the particle 'o' and is distinct from 'motsu' (general holding) and 'kakaeru' (carrying a heavy load).
- In social contexts, 'dakko' is the casual/child-friendly version, while 'dakishimeru' is used for a tighter, more emotional hug or squeeze.
Particle Choice
Always use the 'o' particle for the person or thing being held. For example: 'Inu o daku'. This shows the dog is the receiver of the action.
Context Matters
Be aware that 'daku' can be intimate. In a professional setting, if you need to say someone is 'holding' a responsibility, use 'kakaeru' or 'tantou suru' instead.
Pitch Accent
The pitch drops after 'da'. Practice saying 'DA-ku' with a high start to sound more like a native speaker.
Kanji Practice
The left side is 'hand'. The right side is 'wrap'. If you remember 'hand-wrap', you will never forget how to write 抱く.
例句
母親は赤ちゃんを優しく抱いた。
相关内容
更多body词汇
曲げる
A2To bend, to flex.
清潔な
A2这个房间非常整洁卫生。
気持ち悪い
A2Unpleasant; nauseating; disgusting.
握る
A2To grasp; to hold in one's hand.
身長
A2Height (of a person).
筋肉
A2muscle
内臓
B2Internal organs, viscera.
ぐうぐう
B1Gūgū, rumbling sound (e.g., stomach).
伸ばす
A2伸展,延长,培养。例如:伸展手臂或培养才能。
満たす
B1To satisfy, to fill (e.g., hunger).